Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) play an important role in facilitating communication for individuals with communication disorders. These devices empower users to express themselves, interact with others, and participate in social and academic settings. However, the customization of SGDs presents a unique challenge — balancing customizing for ease and customizing for language development.
It can be argued that customization is the most important part of an SGD. The way we customize an SGD can increase an individual's desire to interact with the device, ease frustration of the user and their supports, and assist with the overall ease of communication. When customizing a device we are frequently clouded by Present Bias - focusing on the current situation rather than the future - resulting in customization that feels easiest during that moment. For example, someone using TD Snap may find it easiest to move all of the ‘Topics’ related to school (ex: art, math, gym, etc.) under the ‘My School’ button. Although this may alleviate some frustration with navigation throughout the school day, it does not remove the future frustration that will occur when the learned motor plan is removed or altered. Our goal with a language system is to create foundational skills that are useful across a lifespan. If someone is taught to use their ‘My School’ page for a topic like ‘Art’, what are they going to do when they graduate? Will we expect the user to keep their ‘My School Page’ despite no longer being in school? Or will we request they use the ‘Topics’ page and require a new motor plan? Finding a balance between ease and long-term use is necessary to alleviate the need for future relearning.
The key to effective customization lies in striking a balance between ease of use and language development. SGDs should be intuitive and user-friendly without compromising the opportunities for linguistic growth and expression. Collaborative partnerships between users, caregivers, educators, and assistive technology professionals are essential for effectively tailoring SGDs to meet individual needs and preferences.
In conclusion, customizing SGDs is a complex process, but it's vital for improving communication for people with speech difficulties. As technology advances, it's important to continue enhancing SGDs to make them more accessible and supportive of language development
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